Experience Counts - here’s what Ian Nicolson said in his book “Surveying Small Craft” a standard text for the industry:
“Surveyors need a deep knowledge of small craft construction. They must know about mask making, keel casting, the manufacture of fastenings and cushions, the ins and outs of engines and electrical equipment, insurance and salvage, glass cloth lay-up and lamination, corrosion and erosion, and many more technicalities. But, above all, they need experience afloat. Boats get into trouble on the water and that s where surveyors have to start learning their job. Anyone who has been through a big gale in a small boat is unlikely to make a slovenly surveyor.”
The Goal…
My goal is to provide sufficient information about the condition, safety, value, and performance of a particular vessel so that you can make an informed purchase decision. If the purpose of your marine survey is for insurance underwriting, the inspection and report will focus on the areas that are priorities to underwriting. Reports include a thorough description of the vessel, her machinery, systems and equipment with an emphasis on safety and structure. ABYC, NFPA, and CFR Standards and Legal Requirements are addressed. Observations as to condition are reported as findings and discrepancies based on regulatory and industry standards. In addition, a list of additional recommendations, based on my experience, is included. Descriptive photos and documents are provided as appropriate. A full range of additional services, such as engine fluid analysis, moisture profiling, etc. are also available. Located in Southern New England, we’re convenient by land or air to anywhere. My experience ranges to Canada, the Caribbean Basin, Australia, Hawaii, & The Mediterranean.
About Captain John B. Wenz
John B. Wenz was boating as a child on the bays and creeks along the south shore of Long Island, New York. He began sailing professionally while a cadet at the State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler where he earned a BS degree in Marine Transportation Management and a USCG license as a deck officer on ships of unlimited tonnage upon oceans.
Over the next twenty-five years, Wenz would build an impressive resume of cruising and racing experience as captain or crew of a variety of sail and motor yachts, including several with considerable historic or industry notoriety. Besides numerous ocean passages and transits of the Intracoastal Waterway, he has operated yachts and small commercial vessels in US Ports on East, West, and Gulf Coasts, Hawaii, and the Caribbean as well as on inland Lakes and Waterways. “Swallowing the anchor”, he developed a professional marine survey practice and joined the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) and currently serves as an official “Mentor” in the organization.
John Wenz is an accomplished project manager who has served as build captain for new construction, restoration, and major yacht re-fits. He has operated new and used boat dealerships, set-up dock facilities, and advised clients in a variety of marina, recreational boating and excursion boat business ventures. His communication skills and experience include teaching hundreds of students in sailing, navigation, and boat handling. In addition, he is a published magazine journalist and a writer, producer, and host of online boat testing and review videos and other web content as well as a seasoned public speaker.
Wenz has successfully completed a number of unique and challenging projects through the course of his career. He served as tender captain and coordinator of on-the-water support and logistics for Dennis Conner’s successful “Stars & Stripes” 1987 America’s Cup team in Western Australia. He was a principal in Australian SWATH Craft, Pty. Ltd., a consulting project on behalf of the Royal Australian Navy (S.W.A.T.H. stands for Small Water Plane Area Twin Hull vessels). He executed the mechanical systems installations on historic Herreshoff yachts and has handled the loading and shipment of yachts on board a variety ships. In 2006 he served as co-skipper of the solar-powered catamaran “Sun 21” on the East Coast leg of her voyage from Basel, Switzerland to New York. Wenz originated the proposed “Clermont II” hybrid solar vessel project in New York and has provided support to the PlanetSolar circumnavigation.
Captain John B. Wenz is an Accredited Marine Surveyor and Mentor member of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors. Following five years as the Recreational Marine Risk Consulting Manager with ACE Insurance (later Chubb), he established the Anchor Marine Risk Consulting Group as a home for the variety of projects and services he is involved in. Wenz has served as chairman of the Riverfront Revitalization Committee in the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY, and sat on the Boards of the Hudson Valley Marine Trades Association and The Empire State Marine Trades Association. In addition, John Wenz has served as a “Trainer” for youth sports coaches, parents, and student athletes on behalf of the Positive Coaching Alliance. He is currently responsible for conducting acceptance sea trials for the USCG 47’ Motor Lifeboat Service Life Extension Program with Birdon America and holds a seat on the Pedestrian and Bicycle Commission in West Hartford, Connecticut.
